Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV launched in Malaysia

The Mercedes-Maybach brand was introduced in Malaysia in 2022, offering customers an even more luxurious limousine than the S-Class which has been at the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Three years later, the EQS 680 SUV has been launched and as the ‘EQS’ indicates, it is a fully electric model – Mercedes-Maybach’s first, in fact.

Equivalent of Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
As with the S-Class, the EQS 680 SUV is also an equivalent of a Mercedes-Benz model but built to far more luxurious standards that have been the hallmark of the Maybach brand that has a history going back to 1921 (it was acquired by Mercedes-Benz in 1960).

“The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV is the first fully electric, dedicated Mercedes-Maybach model, bringing a new dimension to silent, effortless travel. This ultra luxurious SUV model represents a vision of unparalleled elegance, a masterpiece of serenity and innovation, it redefines automotive opulence for a new era. From the whisper-quiet cabin to the effortless glide of its electric drive, this vehicle is tailored for an experience beyond imagination. Mercedes-Maybach customers expect nothing short of excellence and with this vehicle, we are committed to delivering beyond their high expectations,” said Nadia Trimmel, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

The EQS 680 SUV has a base price of RM1,088,888 (excluding insurance) and this price is duty-free, available throughout Malaysia during 2025 (after December 31, the tax-exemption for EVs will end). It is RM290,000 more than the Mercedes-Benz EQS AMG 53 4MATIC+ which is the most expensive EQS variant available in Malaysia.

Exclusive design elements
Size-wise, the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV has the same 5125 mm length and 3210 mm wheelbase as the Mercedes-Benz version but is marginally wider. While being a ‘shared’ model (it has an upright Mercedes Star on the bonnet), the Maybach EQS has many exclusive styling elements that give it its very own character.

To start with, the front end differs from the Mercedes-Benz, characterised by the brand-typical black panel with vertical, chrome-plated trim strips in a 3-dimensional depth look. The large black panel is smooth and closed since an EV does not need cooling air blowing through a grille.

The high-tech element for the radar sensors is fully integrated and ‘invisible’, this being possible as. Mercedes-Benz succeeded in using the material indium, which is permeable to radar beams, in the entire panel area. The wafer-thin, shiny silver material is covered with a black lacquer finish. This creates a unique high-gloss black appearance with an extraordinary depth effect.

When viewed from the side, specific features include the bold chrome surrounds on the side windows and the chrome-plated B-pillar trim. This decorative element is an integral part of the Mercedes-Maybach signature and highlights the length of the rear seating area.

The pronounced wheelarches have claddings in high-gloss black, emphasising power and the SUV image. Another eye-catcher is the running boards, which are illuminated in the dark. The treads are made of anodised aluminium, which echoes the pinstripe look of the black panel front.

Appropriately, the EQS SUV rolls on exclusive 21-inch Maybach multi-spoke light-alloy wheels with a unique design. The MAYBACH lettering can be found on the integrated, exquisitely designed wheel hub caps as well.

At the rear, the light units form a continuous illuminated strip with a 2-part helix. The lights are animated across the entire width. There are also chrome trim elements on the tailgate, on the rear apron and the spoiler lip, as well as the MAYBACH lettering.

The special appearance of the EQS SUV also includes the 2-tone paintwork (extra RM97,000) with a filigree pinstripe that is unique to the brand. It is applied by hand according to the highest quality criteria and is available in 5 colour combinations.

At extra cost, customers can include the Night Series design package (extra RM113,000) which gives the SUV a dark and progressive look. Dark chrome elements and surfaces catch the light like a cut jewel. Each headlight is adorned with a Maybach emblem in rose gold, with dark chrome refinements. Darkened Maybach pinstripes enhance the grille panel, while a dark chrome-plated pattern of the Maybach emblem refines the air intake inserts in the front bumper.

The side windows feature generous, highly polished, black edging in 3D design. The running boards are finished in black, sporting a Maybach emblem in dark chrome. The exclusive 21-inch 7-spoke light-alloy wheels are styled with high-quality inserts which include a Maybach pattern.

Finest luxury within
The design of the interior, with First Class Rear and Executive seats, also consistently follows the Maybach credo “What is good must also be beautiful”. A highlight for the front passengers is the MBUX Hyperscreen (covering the entire dashboard) with ‘zero layer’ and Mercedes-Maybach specific start-up animations on all 3 displays. The overall visual appearance is specially designed for the EQS SUV in an elegant deep blue.

The numerous exclusive features include the animated display of the instrument cluster in MAYBACH mode. The pointers in the two tubes are designed like a silk scarf that moves elegantly in the wind according to the speed and driving style. At the same time, the digits change their size and are dynamically faded in or out. The surrounds for the round instruments are in rose gold, which is typical of the brand.

An alternative display is the sporty PURE EV style. In this mode, a 3-dimensional performance bar conveys the respective driving status (driving, accelerating, charging) which a driver with greater technical interest may appreciate.

All three displays can be customised with 3 display styles and 3 modes. The rear passengers experience the same extensive range of infotainment and comfort features with two 11.6-inch displays on the backrests of the front seats. With the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment, content can be shared quickly and easily on the various displays. There is also the MBUX rear tablet, which can be detached and used outside the vehicle, and the MBUX Interior Assist.

Natural materials made with perfect craftsmanship create a stylish contrast to the high-tech look. Besides natural wood trims, this is the first model in the Mercedes-Benz family to incorporate sustainably processed Nappa leather.

The Maybach emblem, which is integrated at various points as a design element, underscores the high-quality appearance that is typical of the brand. It adorns the stainless steel pedal system, the cushions on the headrests, the front seat backrests and, as a projection, the footwell in the rear. When the boot is open, it can also be seen on the inner lining of the tailgate.

An exclusive feature is the automatic comfort doors at the front and rear, with door handles that extend and then the door itself also opens automatically when the driver approaches the vehicle from a distance of about 1.5 metres. All other doors can also be opened and closed remotely via MBUX, while the driver’s door closes automatically as soon as the brake pedal is depressed.

With the Burmester 4D surround sound 15-speaker system, the occupants enjoy the ultimate sound experience. It features the Dolby Atmos immersive audio experience which gives music more space, clarity, and depth.

With different sound worlds, the driving sound also becomes an acoustic experience. ‘Aerial Grace’ is the name of the driving sound that was specially created for this first fully electric Mercedes-Maybach model and can be heard in the interior. It is interactive and reacts to a dozen different parameters including accelerator pedal position, speed, and recuperation. Using intelligent sound design algorithms, the sounds are calculated in real time on the amplifier of the Burmester 4D surround sound system and played back by the loudspeakers.

Created exclusively for the EQS SUV is a special fragrance  – No.12 MOOD ebony – which is circulated through the high-performance ventilation and climate control system. Mercedes-Maybach describes it as ‘an extraordinary and polarising fragrance which does not aim to please but to seduce’. The fragrance has a combination of sandalwood, freesia and cloves.

Superlative comfort and quietness
It goes without saying that the comfort levels would be of the highest standards and this is achieved with the AIRMATIC air suspension that continuously adjusts damping. To increase the ground clearance, the vehicle level can be raised by up to 25 mm.

In addition to the DYNAMIC SELECT driving programmes ECO, SPORT, OFFROAD, and INDIVIDUAL, the EQS SUV has the special MAYBACH drive programme. It replaces the classic COMFORT programme and is designed entirely for maximum driving comfort for the rear passengers. It ensures that there are only minimal body movements under the rear seats.

With its electric drivetrain and being a luxury model, the EQS SUV is already very quiet within (and even outside). However, Mercedes-Maybach has further reduced noise and vibration levels with more extensive measures, primarily in the rear section. The new Disconnect Unit (DCU) contributes to this: depending on the driving situation and the power required, it automatically decouples the electric motor on the front axle to increase the range. At low loads, the DCU switches to 4×2 driving mode. Then the electric motor and the transmission on the front axle stand still.

One drivetrain option
So far, since its launch in 2023, the first fully electric model in the Mercedes-Maybach’s is only offered in the EQS 680 SUV form. This has a 2-motor drivetrain providing all-wheel drive and total output generated is 658 ps/950 Nm. Claimed range from the 118 kWh battery is up to 608 kms with the consumption rate being 21.7 kWh/100 kms at its lowest.

AC charging can be done at up to 22 kW, and a fully empty battery pack would take at least 6.25 hours to be recharged to 100%. Quicker charging can be done with DC charging station and if the maximum of 200 kW is available, a 10% to 80% recharge can be done in 31 minutes.

While Mercedes-Benz Malaysia assembles four fully-electric EQ models at its facility in Pekan, Pahang, the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV is unlikely to ever join them. As an ultra-luxurious model, not only are the quality demands higher but customers will also want personalisation which a local assembly operation cannot accommodate.

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